Winter Solstice
Tourist
Celebrate Dongzhi traditions
Student
Learn astronomical significance
Worker
Family reunion customs
Essential Phrases
3 expressions to learn
冬至快乐
Dōng zhì kuài lè
Happy Winter Solstice
General greeting天寒地冻
Tiān hán dì dòng
Cold weather freezing ground
Describing winter conditions数九寒天
Shǔ jiǔ hán tiān
The nine nine cold days
Referring to the coldest period of winterHoliday Foods
4 traditional foods with ordering phrases
Dumplings
Traditional northern Winter Solstice food
Wǒ yào chī jiǎo zi
Tangyuan
Sweet rice balls popular in the south
Wǒ yào chī tāng yuán
Mutton Soup
Lamb soup for cold winter days
Lái yì wǎn yáng ròu tāng
Noodles
Long noodles symbolizing the return of yang energy
Etiquette & Customs
What to do and what to avoid
What to Do
Traditional customs and practices
- Eating dumplings or tangyuan
- Offering sacrifices to ancestors
- Eating mutton soup
- Counting nine days of winter (九九消寒)
- Family gatherings
- Eating noodles
What to Avoid
Traditional taboos and customs
- ✕Don't break things on Winter Solstice
- ✕Don't argue or cry
Gift Ideas
Appropriate gifts for the occasion
Winter Clothing
Coats, scarves, or gloves for warmth
Dumpling-Making Set
Ingredients and tools for making dumplings together
Hot Pot Set
For gathering around hot pot during cold weather
Interactive Tools
Practice with scenario-based tools
Continue Your Learning Journey
More about Winter Solstice